Leaving Paris with Hope

Paris. I’ve seen its beauty. I’ve experienced some of its enchantments. One thing I do not consider it to be so: it is not the place that will make me easily think of God.

Two contrasting experiences made me realize that God is still working hard in this city, famous, not for agape, but for romantic love.

Two nights before I left, two friends took me on a car ride to see Paris at night. To behold the city illuminated with glorious lights. The Eiffel Tower as it blinks every hour and the trees along Champs Elysees, dressed with droplights.

To show me something different, we cruised along the Bois de Boulogne. Seems innocent when translated... Boulogne Woods.

Surely, it was majestic by day. But at night, there is a different scene being played out. Shrouded by darkness and hidden by the green foliage, transvestites stand in the cold. They wear half-opened dark coats that expose undergarments that should only be seen within the confines of a private room. They leave nothing more to imagination. They offer their wares to willing clients who are ready to go within the dense coverage of trees.

I was told that it is not illegal to do this since it is considered a profession. It’s okay as long as the general public does not see what they do.

I knew such things existed but in my desire to be naive, I’ve taught myself not to look for such sights. It embodied the dark side of city. It can represent souls in need of salvation.

But the night before I left Paris, I saw a big window of hope. Though I feared going to an unfamiliar place, I asked God for courage so that I could see with my own eyes. I don’t feel safe in this city yet I was convinced that I must go. I wanted to know what it meant for Hillsong to be in Paris.

The foyer was welcoming as people greeted one another. It was not only coffee that was free-flowing, there were a lot of smiles too. As I sat in my little corner, I enjoyed the noise. It was a marvelous noise. French people in a fellowship mode. It seemed like another world.

Two years ago, during my first time in Paris, I attended a very, very solemn Christian service. It struck me that there weren’t too many young people. And that worried me for they are the next generation. If they do not know God, what will be the future of this city? I prayed then that someday I hope to see men and women of this nation exuberantly praising and worshiping God. It seems highly unlikely. What with my encounters with its people and culture. Will I ever see the reality of this wish from my soul?



I really don’t know how many people were inside. 200? 300? Maybe even more? Male and female, old and young (more of this), different colors and nationalities, different languages, all of us converging to worship God on a Friday night service. It was wonderful to behold the passion of the band as they led the praise and worship time. And a blessing to see an audience dancing with joy and lifting their hands to glorify the Creator. They sang in French and in English, with the words flashed on the screen, with the respective subtitles thereunder.

And the preaching that night, in English (with an Australian accent) but simultaneously translated in French, was about Nehemiah who saw things differently. It was through the eyes of God. Voir des choses differement. I got reminded that I must dream big but remain focused on the small things of the now. Parce que Dieu peut tout changer et tout faire.

As I sang with the band and listened to the words of the speaker, I could not help but shed a few tears. This was the answer to a prayer I deemed impossible to happen. But once again, the words of Pastor Brendan assured me, nothing is impossible with God.

I really do not know why God has directed my path towards learning the language of this people who seems to have it all. I am patiently waiting for I know He will reveal it to me. But as I wait, I continue to pray for this city, this foreign country.

I left Paris with a lighter heart for I see hope. God is moving, slowly but surely and most importantly, powerfully.

(http://www.hillsongparismychurch.fr/)
= = =




I also visited Hillsong London. There were maybe around 600 people inside the Dominion Theater. Once again, it was filled with different kinds of people.

The speaker spoke and showed awesome pictures of the universe, the earth, the sun and other heavenly bodies which give testament to the power of God. Though we are small in a very big universe, God knows us and loves us. I quote the speaker in saying this… Long before you have decided what to do with Him, He has already decided what to do with you.






Core of a whirlpool galaxy (www.hubblesite.org)

(http://www.hillsonglondonmychurch.co.uk/)